Sometimes when I sit down to write code in front of my PC, it becomes very difficult to think clearly. For instance, I’ll rework code I believe is flawed, only to find out it is no better than the original code.
It doesn’t only happen while programming. Often when I’m reading moderately complex topics in front of the PC, it’s becomes hard to follow along. It also happens when I’m writing on the PC. A simple sentence takes longer than usual because it never seems correct.
Sometimes my thinking becomes so cloudy and confused, I start to feel like a dog chasing its tail. I will often just get up out of frustration and do something else and miraculously the solution presents itself, creating a “doh!” moment. Other times, I will grab a pen and paper and retreat from the computer to write or workout a problem, which dramatically improves my thought process and productivity.
Oddly enough, this doesn’t happen when I am using my iPad. It only happens when I am working on a PC. Is there a name for this phenomenon and has it been researched?
